Kent Parks and Rec director steps down

KENT — Joining in praising the work and accomplishments of Parks and Recreation (P&R) director Jared Kuczenski from the post he has served for two years, the P&R commission went on to accept his resignation, effective at the end of the year.

Kuczenski will serve on a part-time basis through December for continuity and to be available to help the town with transitioning to a new director.

“In two years, we did five years’ worth of work,” Kuczenski said, thanking the board and the community for their support and their sharing in the enthusiasm about the recreation program.

“I will miss the kids and the seniors,” Kuczenski said.

Meeting for an interview Friday, Nov. 10, Kuczenski saw the new playground installation at Kent Commons Park as one of his significant accomplishments to benefit the community. It is now nearly complete but for the back-ordered addition of a shaded picnic table.

“The contractor did an amazing job,” said Kuczenski of Creative Recreational Systems.

Other accomplishments that Kuczenski cited were the improvement of the playing fields at Kent Center School, and that the P&R Department was attracting full enrollment for expanding programs.

“Everything we run, we fill,” Kuczenski said, noting growth in soccer and baseball. He added that there are already 23 children signed up for a pre-K soccer program.